Manny Ramirez of the Red Sox is tagged out at home by Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba in Game 3 of the 2007 World Series. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

The Giants on Wednesday won their third World Series Championship in five years, but in 2007 (I know, it seems so long ago), it was the Rockies who had a shot at the title.

Colorado entered the series having won 21 of its last 22 games, including sweeps of the Phillies in the NLDS and the Diamondbacks in the NLCS. Boston knocked off the Angels and Indians to make it to the Series and, because the American League won the 2007 All-Star Game, the Red Sox were granted home-field advantage.

Boston handedly won Game 1, 13-1, thanks in large part to Josh Beckett, who struck out nine batters. It then took Game 2, 2-1, despite Matt Holliday’s four hits and Todd Helton’s early groundout for a score.Read more…

My favorite memories of covering baseball aren’t the games, but the people. I learned and laughed a lot from this group, Ryan Spilborghs, Troy Tulowitzki, Jason Giambi and Todd Helton. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

The baseball beat found me.

I wanted to work at The Denver Post since I was in middle school, but didn’t set out to write about baseball. Failed attempts to reach The Post left me flexible. In 2002, the Rockies beat opened. I had experience covering the team’s home games since September 1996 for the Longmont Times-Call, Broadband Sports and MLB.com.

I wanted this job badly. I wasn’t their favorite candidate. As is often the case, you need a little help. My editor at Broadband Sports put in a good word. Former Post writer Adam Schefter telling the big wigs how I wrote the Dante Bichette trade story to the Reds from a wedding reception (not my own) didn’t hurt either.

LaTroy Hawkins vividly remembers when center fielder Willy Taveras ran down Tony Clark’s line drive to help the Rockies win Game 2 of the 2007 National League Championship Series. (David Zalubowski, The Associated Press)

LaTroy Hawkins has socks older than some of the Rockies’ prospects. He began his career before interleague play. He has memories, plenty of them. I was interviewing him Tuesday for another story I am working on, and he provided a reminder of why baseball is a great game.

The subject was the Rockies’ 2007 World Series team. Hawkins discussed the run, then his eyes widened as he reached a moment in the National League Championship Series.

Ryan Spilborghs hits the game-winning grand slam against the San Francisco Giants in August 2009. He is returning to the Rockies as an analyst for Root Sports. (The Denver Post).

Ryan Spilborghs spent six seasons as an outfielder with the Colorado Rockies, becoming a fan favorite for his walk-up music (“Sweet Escape”), myriad of mustaches, car commercials and his big hits (like the unforgettable grand slam against the Giants). Spilborghs hit .272 with 42 home runs and .345 on-base percentage in 619 games with the Rockies.

To start something like this you want a parable, not a bunch of anecdotes like I’m gonna throw out at you. You want something that someone can really bite into, something hearty, not, “welp, I think I’m gonna move on.” But as simple as that sounds, I think it serves its purpose.

I’ve spent this entire offseason contemplating sacrifices and opportunity, weighing my individual desires and that of my family. What I’ve eventually landed on, and let me say it wasn’t an individual effort, was an agreement with my mind and my heart, that I am going to move on from playing baseball.

Todd Helton, who retired last season, is the last quarterback to start in front of Peyton Manning. It happened at the University of Tennessee, where the two began a friendship that has lasted two decades. (The Denver Post file)

NEW YORK — Todd Helton never won a World Series with the Rockies in 17 seasons, unsuccessful in his bid in 2007. However, if the Broncos win their third Super Bowl, he deserves a tip of the cap.

Helton doesn’t take credit for Peyton Manning signing with the Broncos prior to the 2012 season. But it didn’t hurt that he told him what a great place Colorado was to live and raise a family. Manning craves inside intelligence. This information was valuable, as was the work of the Rockies’ training staff, which helped Manning at times during his recovery during his neck rehab during the NFL lockout. Helton later worked out with Manning at Duke University, running passing routes with intramural athletes.

“You can’t believe how competitive he his. He was critiquing the patterns, and getting on guys,” Helton said.

The Rockies have mild interest in Santana, but are not pursuing him at his current price. They are also are reluctant to surrender a draft pick, even a competitive balance selection around the 35th overall. Santana’s asking price is unknown. He started the winter seeking $100 million according to multiple reports. It’s safe to assume he wants to match what Garza received from the Brewers — four years, $52 million. The Rockies aren’t interested in him at that figure, and given his flyball history, aren’t going to overextend on the right-hander.

Franklin Morales returns to the Rockies with a chance to win a spot in the rotation. There will be no contract distraction. He avoided salary arbitration Wednesday, agreeing to a $1,712,500-million deal.

Morales, 27, went 2-2 with a 4.62 ERA in 20 games for the Red Sox last season. A former top prospect with the Rockies, Morales was acquired in exchange for utility infielder Jonathan Herrera. The left-hander is expected to compete for the fifth starter’s job in spring training with Juan Nicasio. It’s possible that Morales will end up in the bullpen if he doesn’t win the job.

Along with Ubaldo Jimenez, Morales helped the Rockies reach the 2007 World Series during their September run to the postseason. Morales’ highlight was holding his ground against eventual Cy Young award winner Jake Peavy in San Diego. It was part of a stretch when the Rockies reeled off 21 of 22 wins to advance to the World Series. Morales last pitched for the Rockies in 2011, spending the latter part of his career in Denver as a closer.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Even if the Rockies make moves at the winter meetings, there is nothing more important to their 2014 success than the health of their star players. Carlos Gonzalez eased fears and provided a sliver of good news Monday, telling The Denver Post that his sprained right middle finger “felt really good” after swinging for the first time this offseason.

Colorado Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez is likely to switch to center field this season. He is multiple Gold Glove winner. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

Gonzalez elected to avoid surgery to fix the torn ligament, opting for complete rest because there were concerns that an operation would limit the finger’s flexibility. Gonzalez took 50 swings off the batting tee at Coors Field on Monday, and plans to take batting practice later this week. His preference is not to adjust his swing or how he holds the bat because he doesn’t want to compromise his power.

In this April 21, 2011, file photo, Major League Baseball Players Union head Michael Weiner speaks at a news conference in New York. (Frank Franklin II, Associated Press file)

I only talked with Michael Weiner on a handful of occasions. I left feeling smarter, always happy I took the time. Weiner had this impact on a lot of people, whether they were close friends, colleagues, players or adversaries.

He made the complex sound simple without a trace of arrogance. He never spoke down to you. He made you feel important, whether you were a sports writer or a first-year player on a 40-man roster. He made you feel comfortable, almost always dressed in polo shirts, jeans and Chuck Taylor low tops. He never made it personal, a difficult skill when his job was to keep labor peace and interpret legal documents as the players union boss.

With his wife Diane and three daughters by his side, Weiner passed away Thursday night after a 15-month battle with brain cancer. He was 51.

Reliever LaTroy Hawkins was open to returning to the Rockies for multiple reasons. They were willing to give him a shot at closing, at least initially, though Rex Brothers figures to see plenty of time in the role. The Rockies also provided a backdrop that brings on goosebumps.

“I have great memories there,” Hawkins said last week before agreeing to a one-year, $2.5-million deal on Monday that should become official on Thursday following a physical. “That place will always be special (because of) Rocktober.”

LaTroy Hawkins’ memories of Rocktober didn’t hurt when he considered Colorado’s $2.5-million free agent offer. His deal is expected to become official on Thursday following a physical. (The Denver Post, A Magical Season).

Hawkins was a trusted member of the 2007 bullpen, serving as a setupman for Brian Fuentes and later rookie Manuel Corpas. He turns 41 next month, making him the oldest reliever in Rockies’ history. However, the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder has pitched some of his best baseball the past three seasons, posting a 2.96 ERA over 161 innings. He worked 72 games for the Mets last year, though 60 to 65 appearances seems a more reasonable projection in Denver.

Hawkins is remembered by teammates for his leadership in 2007. Former Rockies outfielder Cory Sullivan referred to him as key figure last week, calling him “someone who was invaluable” in the clubhouse.

Former Giants and Dodgers’ reliever Brian Wilson is among the long list of hard-throwing relievers the Rockies are pursuing in free agency. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

The Rockies began the offseason by unsuccessfully opening the vault for a Cuban defector, leaving them facing a winter of detractors.

It’s an outgrowth of the standings: The fans see a team that has finished in last place in consecutive seasons and places second regularly for free agents. This isn’t always the case. The Rockies won the bidding for outfielder Michael Cuddyer two years ago, reaping the reward of his three-year, $31.5-million contract when he won a batting title, a Silver Slugger and earned an all-star berth last season.

He represented their biggest free agent outlay since Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle received combined deals worth $175.3 million in December 2000. That’s why the $63 million offer to Jose Abreu, who received $68 million from the White Sox, a team with his former Cuban teammates, was intriguing. It represented a bold move, absent for more than a decade.

This much is known: The Rockies have roughly $9 million to spend, if no one is traded (like outfielder Dexter Fowler), to upgrade their roster. There are multiple possibilities given that the team is open to trades, and recognizes areas that need obvious help:

It was a perfect night for baseball in St. Louis before Game 3. Prior to Game 2, the Red Sox had won eight straight World Series games, including a sweep of the Rockies in 2007. (Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post)

ST. LOUIS — Todd Helton’s successor was briefly within reach last week, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the Rockies’ bid for free agent first baseman Jose Abreu.

The Rockies aggressively pursued the Cuban superstar. I reported last week that they placed multiple bids on the 6-foot-3, 250-pound slugger. The amount was unknown. This weekend, sources said the Rockies reached $63 million, just shy of the White Sox’s winning bid of six years, $68 million.

Rockies’ ownership gave clearance to spend the money on Abreu. It’s unlikely that the Rockies would reach $60 million on another free agent this winter. Abreu was unique because of his age — he’s 26 — and power. Given the success of countrymen Yoenis Céspedes and Yasiel Puig, he represented a worthy gamble.

Ryan Spilborghs spent six seasons as an outfielder with the Colorado Rockies, becoming a fan favorite for his walk-up music (“Sweet Escape”), myriad of mustaches, car commercials and his big hits (like the unforgettable grand slam against the Giants). Spilborghs hit .272 with 42 home runs and .345 on-base percentage in 619 games with the Rockies.

Ryan Spilborghs provides final snap shots of Japan before returning to Denver. (Courtesy of Ryan Spilborghs).

Spilly’s log, star date October 6, 2013, I’ve recently completed my journey to an unknown territory, the area was highly dense with a very friendly and busy people. They observed me with quiet, but watchful eyes, and once they understood my true motives embraced me and helped me acclimate to their culture and lifestyles. I admire the people immensely and take home with me a greater view of this world we share, as well as philosophies that I believe will help me be a better person, worker, and plan to apply their influences in my daily life. Sayonara Japan! Yoroshiku onegashimas! (Literally can use this phrase for so much, “Be Kind to me” “I am in your debt”, “I’m counting on you”, “Please take care of me”, “Nice to meet you”)

Reliever Manuel Corpas was removed from the Rockies’ 40-man roster, but hopes to re-sign with the team as a free agent. (Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post)

Manuel Corpas, who provided serviceable innings at times for a depleted bullpen last season, was taken off the 40-man roster this week as the Rockies look to create room for prospects, according to a major league source.

Pitchers Jeff Manship and former prospect Edwar Cabrera, who missed all of last season with a shoulder injury, were also outrighted off the 40-man. The Rangers, who have executives that were with the Rockies when he was signed, claimed Cabrera. Manship cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A.

Corpas, who makes his offseason home in Denver, hopes to return to the Rockies. He can be re-signed as a free agent at a lower cost than he would have earned in the arbitration process. Corpas, who turns 31 in December, went 1-2 with a 4.54 in 31 games.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss said there was never a time during his first season when he didn’t want to return for a second year. He will be back with his next contract expected to get ironed out soon. (Denver Post file photo)

Rockies manager Walt Weiss doesn’t have a new contract. Not yet anyway. Owner Dick Monfort is expected to meet with members of the front office and Weiss beginning Wednesday at the club’s spring training headquarters in Scottsdale.

The Rockies are honoring Todd Helton with special markers on the bases. First base will be removed after each inning. (Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post).

Todd Helton will play his 1,141st game at Coors Field on Wednesday night. His jog to first base in the top of the first inning should be memorable. The plan is for the Rockies players to allow Helton to head to first base alone, pausing before joining him to let the crowd and Helton soak in the spotlight.

A similar gesture took place at the all-star game with retiring Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. He warmed up in the eighth inning with no one on the field as players in both dugouts cheered for him. Something similar could take place this evening.

The game is a celebration of Helton’s career. First base has the No. 17 on one side with a Rockies-Red Sox decal designating the series on another. After each inning first base will be replaced.

Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton acknowledges the crowd in the second inning after announcing his retirement at the end of the season. (Rick Scuteri, The Associated Press)

PHOENIX — Todd Helton didn’t have any reservations about his retirement, a decision he first told The Denver Post on Saturday. He joked with teammates, ate a healthy breakfast — “I might get round when I stop playing, but I need to stay in shape enough to hunt,” he said — and addressed the media.

Todd Helton has no reason to be guarded at this point. With his career coming to a close, he freely expresses his opinion. An d when it comes to the use of expanded replay, he’s for it. Players want to see the call right. That’s what Roy Oswalt said. What Michael Cuddyer said. What every veteran I talked to in the Rockies’ clubhouse indicated on Friday.

The issue is the mechanics. Will it delay the flow of the game. Will somebody try to game the system with a frivolous challenge to warm up or stall a pitcher? Will it take too long? As long as the reviews are kept to the 1 minute, 15-second mark — or in that range — players are for it.

The Green Monster in left field at Fenway Park. (Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post)

BOSTON — Juan Nicasio’s grip on his rotation spot continues to slip as manager Walt Weiss would not commit to the right-hander making his next start on Sunday. When Weiss has talked in these terms before, a change was made. The last example was Jeff Francis, who was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs after the Blue Jays shelled him.

The Red Sox ambushed Nicasio for 12 hits, three above his previous career-high. He lasted just seven outs before Weiss pulled the plug, making it unlikely that he will go opposite of San Francisco’s Madison Bumgarner.

Drew Pomeranz is the most likely candidate to replace him.

“We will continue to reassess this situation,” Weiss said. “It’s tough in this league when you don’t have consistent fastball command. Juan has a good fastball, but you have to command it up here.”

Michael Cuddyer wanted to play Thursday. He was in the original lineup. But Rockies head athletic trainer Keith Dugger and manager Walt Weiss decided to play it safe with the veteran who’s dealing with hamstring tightness in both legs.

“It’s my responsibility to look after guys. I know he doesn’t want to be out the lineup,” Weiss said.

Cuddyer played both games of the Tuesday doubleheader in miserably cold conditions. Eric Young Jr., who snapped out his slump on Tuesday, is starting in right field. Cuddyer will be available to pinch hit.

“I am good to go. I was ready to play. It’s a just a little sore that nothing that could keep me from playing,” Cuddyer said.

Dexter Fowler returns to the starting lineup for the first time since Sunday. He’s dealing with a sore left foot.

“I need to get in there,” said Fowler, who’s no longer limping, clearing his way into the lineup.

The Rockies will play Thursday in arctic conditions. The temperature at noon was 27 degrees, which would mark the coldest game in franchise history. Jon Garland, who has pitched well in both his games, faces Jonathon Niese. The lineups:

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.